Free trade may hurt UK meat producers

Beef and poultry farmers could face heavy financial losses if free trade talks between the EU and South American countries fail to recognise the high production and welfare standards adhered to by UK farmers.

NFU Cymru said it had grave concerns after the EU Commission agreed to re-launch negotiations with South America's Mercosur trading bloc. It said increased imports of beef and poultry could impact negatively on EU beef and poultry industries and consumer confidence.

Peter Davies, NFU Cymru livestock board chairman, said any changes that lead to increased levels of imported beef from countries like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay could lead to huge revenue losses.

''Livestock farmers here accept that there will always be competition from other countries to supply consumers but at the same time it is absolutely vital we have a sustainable and profitable EU and domestic production base,'' said Davies. ''I see no good reason why we should jeopardise the financial and environmental benefits that EU beef production delivers to the whole of the European supply chain from producer to consumer.''

''That is why I believe any deal which does not require South American imports to meet British and European standards will not only be bad for farmers but also consumers, who rightly expect their food to be produced to high standards.''

''I am proud of the quality and standards we produce to in this country and I do not want to see them compromised,'' he said.

According to NFU Cymru poultry board chairman, Tony Burgess, trade liberalisation might sound tantalising to EU trade commissioners - but a flood of cheap South American poultry meat would be disastrous to the UK poultry sector.